Isi it worth buying – Apple Mac mini desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A )? It is configured by default without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party options are available. it has a more advanced architecture and graphics, Thunderbolt 2 capability, and faster Wi-Fi. On the other hand, it has a processor with half the number of cores, no longer supports Firewire, has RAM that can no longer be upgraded, and no longer supports two 2.5″ drives. Get details in Apple Mac mini desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A ) review.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- The least expensive Mac you can buy
- Plenty of connectivity options
CONS
- No included keyboard or mouse
- Memory upgrade options are expensive
Specs – Apple Mac mini desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A )
Processor
- 1.4GHz
1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz) with 3MB on-chip shared L3 cache - 2.6GHz
2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz) with 3MB on-chip shared L3 cache
Configurable to 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz) with 4MB on-chip shared L3 cache. - 2.8GHz
2.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz) with 3MB on-chip shared L3 cache
Configurable to 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz) with 4MB on-chip shared L3 cache.
Storage
- 1.4GHz
500GB (5400-rpm) hard drive
Configurable to 1TB Fusion Drive. - 2.6GHz
1TB (5400-rpm) hard drive
Configurable to 1TB Fusion Drive or 256GB of flash storage (SSD). - 2.8GHz
1TB Fusion Drive
Configurable to 2TB Fusion Drive or 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of flash storage (SSD).
Memory
- 1.4GHz
4GB of 1600MHz LPDDR3 memory
Configurable to 8GB or 16GB. - 2.6GHz
8GB of 1600MHz LPDDR3 memory
Configurable to 16GB. - 2.8GHz
8GB of 1600MHz LPDDR3 memory
Configurable to 16GB.
Graphics
- 1.4GHz
Intel HD Graphics 5000 - 2.6GHz
Intel Iris Graphics - 2.8GHz
Intel Iris Graphics
Size
- Height: 1.4 inches (3.6 cm)
- Width: 7.7 inches (19.7 cm)
- Depth: 7.7 inches (19.7 cm)
Weight
- 1.4GHz
2.6 pounds (1.19 kg) - 2.6GHz
2.6 pounds (1.20 kg) - 2.8GHz
2.7 pounds (1.22 kg)
Video Support
- Support for up to two displays at 2560 by 1600 pixels, both at millions of colors
- Thunderbolt digital video output
- Native Mini DisplayPort output
- DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
- VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
- Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)
- HDMI video output
- Support for 1080p resolution at up to 60Hz
- Support for 3840-by-2160 resolution at 30Hz
- Support for 4096-by-2160 resolution at 24Hz
- DVI output using HDMI to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
Audio
- Audio line in minijack (digital/analog)
- Audio line out/3.5 mm headphone jack (digital/analog)
- HDMI port supports multichannel audio output
- Support for Apple iPhone headset with microphone
- Built-in speaker
Compare Apple Mac mini desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A ) late 2014 vs Apple Mac mini late 2018
| Apple Mac Mini Desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A ) | Apple Mac mini late 2018 Space Gray, Intel core i3 – 8GB Ram – 128GB SSD | |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Memory Size | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| CPU Model | Core i5 | Core i3-2330M |
| CPU Speed | 2.60 GHz | 3.00 GHz |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel Iris Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB | 128 GB |
| Hardware Platform | Mac | Mac |
| Operating System | Mac OS X | Mac OS X |
| Processor Count | 2 | 1 |
Apple Mac mini desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A ) Review
Design
Apple left the Mac Mini’s exterior unchanged from the previous model. It still maintains the matte-aluminum chassis measuring 1.4 by 7.7 by 7.7 inches (HWD), which you can conveniently hide behind a large-screen display or HDTV.
Ports
- Two Thunderbolt 2 ports (up to 20 Gbps)
- Four USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps)
- HDMI port
- SDXC card slot
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Audio in port
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- IR receiver
Communications
- Wi-Fi
802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/g/b/n compatible - Bluetooth
Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology - Ethernet
10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
Storage and memory
Mac Mini Apple changed the default 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 memory to 8GB 1600MHz LPDDR3 memory, but introduced Intel Iris Graphics. It comes equipped with ITBB, 5,400rpm SATA hard drive. Note that like its previous Mac mini models, a display, a keyboard, and mouse are not included in the bundle.
Apple Mac mini desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A ) Performance review
The Apple Mac Mini MGEN2LL/A features connectivity options that are slightly above standard, including an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, an SDXC card reader, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, and four USB 3.0 ports.
The integrated graphics are decent enough to help the system score 17 frames per second (fps), meaning can easily play browser-based 3D games and older titles. Unlike most of its competitors, the Mac mini is a whole lot quieter, though.
The Mac mini is powered by a fourth-generation 2.6 GHz dual core Intel Core i5-4260U, a low-voltage processor with Intel HD Graphics 5000. This features can deliver quite stable performance on multimedia, which is quite faster than most mainstream desktops in the same price range.
For seamless wireless connectivity, it comes handy with 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0, in addition to Apple‘s Continuity and Handoff features available in OS X Yosemite, which allow you to hook the Mac Mini with iOS devices devices, like iPads and iPhones.
Apple Mac mini desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A ) upgrade option
Configure your Mac mini with these options, only at the Apple Online Store.
- 1.4GHz
- 8GB LPDDR3 memory
- 16GB LPDDR3 memory
- 1TB Fusion Drive
- Apple Remote
- 2.6GHz
- 16GB LPDDR3 memory
- 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor
- 1TB Fusion Drive
- 256GB flash storage (SSD)
- Apple Remote
- 2.8GHz
- 16GB LPDDR3 memory
- 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor
- 2TB Fusion Drive
- 256GB flash storage (SSD)
- 512GB flash storage (SSD)
- 1TB flash storage (SSD)
- Apple Remote
Apple Mac mini desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A ) customer review
It’s still a nice system
Don’t be fooled by the Mac Mini’s internal hardware. It may not have been updated in a few years but it’s still capable of outputting to a 4K monitor and even editing 4K video with ease. I purchased a 12.9″ iPad Pro last year and found myself using it more and more instead of my notebook. I would turn to my MacBook Pro only when I wanted to do very specific things, like encode a video in Handbrake. So I sold it off and decided a Mac Mini would fit that need just fine. At the time, it pretty much had the same internal hardware as the $1200 iMac but I didn’t need the monitor (not when I have two 1080p monitors sitting at my desk).
Overall, I’ve been pleased with this little machine. The dual-core Core i5 is still a solid CPU and only marginally behind the current generation in terms of performance (it’s about 15% the new Kaby Lake chips when it comes to benchmarks, big deal), 8GB of RAM is more than enough to accomplish basic and even more advanced tasks in macOS, and I forgot what it was like having access to so much built-in storage after migrating from a 128GB MacBook Pro. Apple also included Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac, there are four USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, analog audio in, analog/digital audio out, an SDXC card reader, and HDMI output. There’s also a front-facing IR port but I think it only works with the older, silver remote and not the new touchpad remote.
The one thing that still shocked me was how small this desktop is. It’s about the same size as older set-top-box streaming units but packs a lot more power in an elegant anodized aluminum enclosure. Overall, I have found three negatives with the current Mac Mini. The positives were more than enough to outweigh anything I have against the Mac Mini but I will list them anyways.
First, it is a pain to upgrade the internal hardware of the Mac Mini and the only thing you can change out is the internal storage. The RAM is now soldered directly onto the logic board and is no longer user-replaceable. It takes quite a bit of time and effort to get the black rubber cover off. After you’ve spent 15 minutes doing this, you’ll be greeted with an aluminum sheet held on by hex screws. It’s only after removing those when you’ll start to see the internal hardware but even then, it takes a couple of minutes to finally get to the hard drive. This really shouldn’t shock anyone in this day and age as Apple has long been making non-upgradable PCs. The Mac Mini used to be the last holdout after the iMac but that’s changed now. Make sure you get whatever features you want upfront as you won’t be able to add anything else except external components later down the line.
Second, I really wish this would of come with a Fusion Drive as standard even if it was a 1TB Fusion Drive with only 64GB of SSD (instead of the 128GB standard). Going from a MacBook Pro with SSD to a Mac Mini with a hard drive has taken some getting used to. Programs take a good 4-5 seconds longer to open, it takes longer to load things, and rebooting the system takes a while. Once programs and things are loaded, the Mac Mini handles them well just like any other Mac with SSD. It’ the initial opening and loading that adds time.
Lastly, I definitely wouldn’t pay $699 for this. For that price, the internal hardware is too old and you should be getting an SSD (or at least a Fusion Drive) standard. I purchased my Mac Mini when it was on sale for $599 and I had another coupon that dropped it down to $499. For that price, it’s a pretty solid desktop for those that prefer macOS to Windows. At $699, it’s an expensive system that’s not worth it. You would be better off saving up and getting a new iMac instead for $300 more.
That being said, I’m fine with the internal hardware at the price that I paid. It encodes 1080p, h.264 movies (with stereo AAC and 5.1 Dolby Digital sound) in less time than it took my 2015 MacBook Pro (and even Surface Pro 4), takes up very little desk space, is still a sharp looking machine, and it pretty quiet (I’ve never really heard the hard drive or fans kick on). It has served it’s purpose and is exactly what I wanted out of a desktop.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to dip their toes into macOS or someone who needs a newer desktop but already has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. Just make sure you wait until the Mini is on sale, otherwise it’s not worth the $700 price.
By Pablo at Best Buy
How to do Mac mini (Late 2014 RAM upgrade)?
Mac mini (Late 2014) has memory that is integrated into the main logic board and can’t be upgraded.
Remove the bottom cover
- Turn off your Mac mini. From the Apple menu (), choose Shut Down.
- Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your Mac mini.
- Lay your Mac mini upside down on a soft cloth or towel, and then rotate the bottom cover counterclockwise to the unlocked position.
- Press on the cover to pop up the opposite side, and then remove the cover.
Remove the original memory modules
- Gently spread the clips at the ends of the top memory module just enough to let the free edge pop up.
- Pull the module out of the slot.
- Repeat to remove the second, bottom module.
Install the new memory
- Carefully press the notched edge of the new memory module into the bottom slot while keeping the opposite edge slightly raised.
- Press down on the raised edge until the clips snap into place.
- Repeat to install the top memory module.
Replace the bottom cover
Don’t connect the power cord or turn on your Mac mini until you replace the bottom cover. Never operate your Mac mini without the cover in place.
- Replace the bottom cover using the alignment dots to place it in the unlocked position.
- Rotate the cover clockwise to lock it in place.
- Reconnect the power cord and any other cables you disconnected.
After you install the memory, confirm that your Mac mini sees the new memory.
Alternate of Apple Mac mini desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A )
Apple Mac mini (3.0GHz 6-core Intel Core i5 processor, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
Features
- 6-core Intel Core i5 processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 8GB 2666MHz DDR4
- Ultrafast SSD storage
- Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, one HDMI 2. 0 port, and two USB 3 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11AC Wi-Fi
- Macos Mojave inspired by pros but designed for everyone, with dark mode, stacks, easier screenshots, new built-in apps, and more
Apple Mac mini late 2018 Space Gray, Intel core i3 – 8GB Ram – 128GB SSD (Renewed)
Features
- Quad-core i3 8th-Generation Intel Core Processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 8GB 2666MHz DDR4
- Ultrafast SSD storage
- Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, one HDMI 2. 0 port, and two USB 3 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11AC Wi-Fi
- Macos Mojave inspired by pros but designed for everyone, with dark mode, stacks, easier screenshots, new built-in apps, and more
2020 Apple Mac Mini with Intel Processor (8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage)
Features
- Eighth-generation 6-core Intel Core i5 processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 8GB 2666MHz DDR4
- Ultrafast SSD storage
- Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, one HDMI 2.0 port, and two USB 3 ports
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